What Affects Cost for International Patients
- Insurance status: Local Koreans covered by National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) pay much less; international patients usually pay full out-of-pocket.
- Scope of evaluation and diagnostics: Basic consultation vs full diagnostic work-up (urinalysis, bladder ultrasound, urodynamics, cystoscopy, etc.)
- Type of treatment: Non-surgical (medication, behavioral therapy, pelvic floor therapy) vs minimally invasive (e.g., bladder-wall Botox injection, nerve stimulation) vs surgical.
- Need for follow-up, repeat procedures or long-term care (e.g., repeated injections, medication, physiotherapy, monitoring).
- Clinic / Hospital Tier and Support Services: International-friendly clinics may include English-speaking staff, coordinators, and package services (which can affect price).
Sample Cost Estimates (Out-of-Pocket, International Patients)
| Service / Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (KRW) | Approx. USD* |
|---|---|---|
| Basic consultation + urine test + simple scan / ultrasound | ₩50,000 – ₩100,000 | ~$40 – $75 |
| Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (uroflowmetry / urodynamics + ultrasound) | ₩150,000 – ₩300,000 | ~$110 – $225 |
| Monthly OAB medication (e.g., antimuscarinics / beta-3 agonists) | ₩10,000 – ₩30,000 / month | ~$8 – $25 |
| Pelvic floor / behavioral therapy session or rehabilitation | ₩50,000 – ₩150,000 per session | ~$40 – $110 |
| Minimally invasive therapy — e.g., bladder-wall Botox injection | ₩800,000 – ₩1,500,000 per treatment | ~$600 – $1,100 |
| Neuromodulation / nerve-stimulation therapy (if indicated) | ₩2,000,000 – ₩5,000,000 depending on device/clinic | ~$1,500 – $3,700 |
| Surgical treatment (for severe or refractory cases) | ₩2,000,000 – ₩5,000,000+ depending on procedure complexity | ~$1,500 – $3,700+ |
*USD approximate conversion — actual rate depends on KRW–USD at time of payment.
Typical Treatment Packages for International Patients
Because many foreigners do not have NHIS coverage, clinics in Korea often offer “self-pay / cash‑pay packages” for OAB and urinary incontinence care. A typical package might include:
- Initial consultation + full diagnostic evaluation (urinalysis, ultrasound, urodynamics)
- Medication for first 1–3 months
- Pelvic floor therapy or behavioral counseling (1–4 sessions)
- One minimally invasive procedure if needed (e.g., Botox injection)
- Follow-up visits and re-evaluation
Estimated total cost for a basic to moderate OAB package (evaluation + medication + behavioral therapy) might range from ₩300,000 to ₩700,000 (~US $225–500).
If a procedure like Botox injection or nerve therapy is included, full-package cost may rise to ₩1,000,000 – ₩2,500,000 (~US $750–1,850).
For severe or surgical cases, comprehensive packages (surgery + hospitalization + follow-up) might reach ₩2,000,000 – ₩5,000,000+ (~US $1,500–3,700).
What International Patients Should Confirm Ahead of Time
- Whether the quoted price is the full cost (no hidden fees, translation, admission, etc.)
- What exactly is included: consultation, diagnostics, treatment, follow-up, medication, translation, etc.
- If follow-up visits or repeat procedures (e.g., repeated Botox injections) will be included in the package or charged separately
- Payment method (some clinics require full upfront payment)
- Recovery support and after-care (especially for invasive procedures or surgery)
Many clinics in Korea offer English-friendly services and can arrange medical-tourism packages that ease scheduling, translation, and discharge processes.
Considerations and What’s Not Included
- Some costs (like repeated medication, repeated therapy, repeat injections) may accumulate over time.
- Non-medical costs such as travel, accommodation, and living expenses in Korea are not included.
- If further diagnostics, extended stay, or complications arise, the total may exceed initial estimates.
- For long-term or chronic OAB, ongoing follow-up may be needed — factor that into budgeting.
